Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What type of agriculture is characterized by monocropping?

1. Subsistence farming

2. Plantation agriculture

3. Polyculture

4. Organic farming

The correct answer is: Plantation agriculture

The answer is plantation agriculture, which is characterized by monocropping, or the cultivation of a single crop over a large area. This type of agriculture is typically found in tropical or subtropical regions and focuses on cash crops such as sugar, coffee, rubber, tobacco, and bananas. The practice of monocropping allows for streamlined management and increased productivity of that particular crop, as the same farming practices can be applied uniformly across the entire plantation. Plantation agriculture is often associated with large-scale operations that may employ labor from local populations or migrant workers, all working together to maximize the yield of the single crop being cultivated. This specialization can lead to efficient production and processing, satisfying global markets that demand these commodities. The other types of agriculture listed do not primarily focus on monocropping; for instance, subsistence farming typically involves growing a variety of crops to meet the needs of the farmer's family. Polyculture refers to the cultivation of multiple crops in the same space, promoting biodiversity and sustainability. Organic farming focuses on holistic agricultural practices that often include a variety of crop rotation and natural pest control methods, rather than the focus on a single crop.